US Clears Black Hawk Sale to Mexico

Apr. 22, 2014 - 12:07PM
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WASHINGTON — The US government has cleared the sale of 18 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico, according to an announcement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

If approved by Congress, the sale will be worth an estimated $680 million, with work being done at Sikorsky Aircraft’s Stratford, Conn., plant and General Electric’s Lynn, Mass., facility.

While not the first UH-60Ms to enter service for Mexico — the country purchased three choppers in 2011 — the large quantity will likely give a significant boost to the country’s military capability.

The UH-60M, produced by Sikorsky, is the most recent Black Hawk variant in service with the US Army. The sale includes 40 T700-GE-701D engines, designed by General Electric; 42 Embedded Global Positioning System receivers; and 36 M134 7.62mm machine guns, as well as communications equipment and logistics support.

“The sale of these UH-60M helicopters to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations,” the DSCA said in its announcement. “Mexico intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army architecture in its efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”■